Feed the Future Mali Cereal Value Chain Monthly Report

The project focuses on increasing agricultural productivity in irrigated and dryland systems, expanding markets and trade, and strengthening local capacities and systems. Agricultural productivity in irrigated and dryland systems has been increased through the analysis of results from the 2015/16 production season and preparation for the 2016/17 production season. The project has also supported the development of improved and certified seeds for millet, sorghum, rice, cowpea, peanuts, and maize. Market access has been expanded through the participation of value chain actors in the Salon International de l'Agriculture (SIAGRI) fair in Mali. The project rented exhibition booths for selected processing units and seed companies, which showcased their products and established relationships with new customers. The fair also provided opportunities for participants to discover new products and identify market trends. The project has also strengthened local capacities and systems through training programs for producer organizations (POs) on the Sell More for More (SMFM) curriculum. In March 2016, 172 PO leaders, including 71 women, were trained in modules 3 and 4 of the SMFM curriculum in Mopti and Sikasso regions. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of cooperatives on organizational, marketing, record-keeping, and management aspects of their businesses. Environmental compliance has been promoted through training programs for coaches and specialists on the Environment Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP) and the Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP). The training aimed to support the development of value chains through sustainable production practices. In Mopti, 10 Agribusiness Coaches and 150 PO leaders participated in the training, while in Sikasso, 18 Agribusiness Coaches took part in the training. The project has also supported the development of Community Agribusiness Teams (CATs) through replication training on the PERSUAP and safe use of pesticides. The training aimed to increase the knowledge of CAT members on PERSUAP and promote sustainable production practices. Financial services have been provided to value chain actors through the National Agricultural Development Bank (BNDA). The project has assisted rice, millet, and sorghum cooperatives to access inputs and has mobilized financial intermediaries to provide credit to producers. The credit must be reimbursed by May 1st, 2016, and arrangements have been made to meet the deadline. The project has also promoted gender equality through training programs for POs on the SMFM curriculum. In Mopti, 49 women participated in the training, while in Sikasso, 22 producers from five POs participated in the training. The project has also supported the development of women-led cooperatives through training programs and financial services. Overall, the Feed the Future Mali Cereal Value Chain project has made significant progress in improving agricultural productivity, market access, and local capacities and systems in Mali. The project has promoted sustainable production practices, gender equality, and financial inclusion, and has established relationships with new customers and partners.